VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
Thanks for voting! Your vote has been included in the results below. How many site visitors have a biological science degree at any level?   Posted: Mar 09, 2003   (610 votes, 19 comments) by bean2003
Survey Results
Bachelors 20% (120) Masters 9% (53) Ph.D 6% (36) Pet trade, web communities, etc. 6% (35) Other degree 19% (114) No degree 41% (252)
Survey Comments
working on BS I am working on my BS in Biology, with an emphasis on Ecology and Environmental Biology. CDM Posted by CDM on July 29, 2004 Qualification I have a PhD (reptile ecology) but although have worked for various institutions now value my independence, and glad am not tied to a desk or have to put up with those students these days who seem to lack initiative. I'll never be rich, but so what. Its still useful to be affiliated with a Uni though, and I appreciate the help and input of my peers. Posted by armata on July 8, 2004 Re Qaulifications Well chaps ( and chapesses! ). I hold a BSc, and a Cert.Zoo.Med (4years, and 3 1/2 years) I am also doing a Veterinary course to gain maybe not an actual Vet, but a V.P Nurse would be an advantage, and may save me money in the long run. But it doesn't prepare you for the actual WORK that you'll encounter along the way. The Zoo.Med is and was too broad spectrum, but did concentrate on what I required ( a little) I have been running a rescue for all Herps since November 98, and am still learning. In fact you never stop learning, and all the qaulifications and degrees in the world can never prepare you for a new hands on experience - sure, they might open a few doors along the way, and get you into various fancy jobs, but that's about it. NO DOORS HAVE EVER BEEN OPENED for me, but I didn't sit both for a free ride. I did it ONLY for myself, and to further my little brain. If it has advantages later in life then so be it. I was also head of reptiles, and amphibians with our local Petsmart for a short while - before I got 'em shut down, and moved on for having REALLY CRAP conditions for the rest of the animals. - They now do not sell ANY reptile orientated items whatsoever. Posted by BanffshireBushman on September 28, 2003 B.S. in Biology I have a B.S. in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill. While snakes and pitvipers in particular have always fascinated me, I'm more or less interested in everything- insects, plants, fish, you name it. Posted by Chris_ on July 13, 2003 In 4th year and heading toward Ph.D. I have an Associate of Arts and could almost be done with a BA in Biology, but going for BS in Bio with a minor in Chemistry instead. I plan to get my Ph.D. with an emphasis in Herpetology and Toxinology sometime this next century. ha.(hopefully sooner) Posted by Crotalus75 on July 9, 2003 Education I have a BA in English. I did research about snake bits for a fiction class project. I got hooked on reading about these beautiful creatures. I don't want to own one though. I'll just admire them from afar. =) Posted by Thiefcatcher72 on March 30, 2003 21 I am currently working towards a degree in zoology...will hopefully be attending UTA under Jonathan Campbell soon...working with snakes since I was 5 or 6...hots since I was fifteen. I am currently 21 and have just gotten into elapids. Posted by snakeking on March 30, 2003 Our edumacation... My husband has an associates degree in Veterinary technology, and my current degree is in nursing(RN),and continuing still, eventually to nurse-practitioner, but sure is taking a long time, going only part time really drags it out. Posted by sierra on March 25, 2003 Degree I am pursuing my biology degree at the present time. Working on B.S., plan on getting Ph.D in the future. Bgabonica1 Posted by Bgabonica1 on March 21, 2003 no schooling just hands on I am only a highschool grad. but i have been handling snake for 16 years. I have been handling hots for 6 years.i worked for a reptile rescue for 4 years then left them to open my own rescue. I am only 25 but i have more exp. with reptiles then most. I am no expert buy no means but rather a student of life. always learning, always wanting to know more. Chris Stutz Director, Reptles Reptile Rescue Posted by reptle on March 16, 2003 Still working on that.... I am second years Biology student at the University of Leiden (NL, Europe)... Freek Vonk. Posted by FV on March 16, 2003 almost there! I will receive my BS towards the end of spring. Posted by Crotalus64 on March 16, 2003 snake handling skill Cannot say expert sorry. I have yet to play with cobra's or mamba's. I do not know them only in literature. No reason to assume perfection. Posted by ol3toes on March 12, 2003 degree I have an A.A.S. Environmental Conservation and Natural resource management. Cert. in outdoor rec. Covered alot, almost all the courses offered for that degree as electives. Graduate Finger Lakes Community College Canandaigua NY. Over 20 years handling reptiles and 3 years for giving outdoor ed. class once a year for 6th graders. I have had almost all native to the US at one time or another. STop and see http://home.rochester.rr.com/sawdey/linkme.htm Posted by ol3toes on March 12, 2003 50,000 a year bites People should just leave them alone thats all. Population of very agressive creatures not that high. Means 50,000 a year people are annoying rattlesnakes. Posted by ol3toes on March 12, 2003 BA from VMI Virginia Military Institute had no zoology degree while I was there. I majored in language and took every biology elective available. Colonel Reeves was very supportive of anyone interested in wildlife of any kind. Posted by Buzztail1 on March 11, 2003 Ph.D. Ph.D. in Biochemistry Honours undergrad in Molecular Biology Honours undergrad in philosophy (concentrating on scientific philosophy) No real job ;-) lol Cheers BGF www.venomdoc.com Posted by BGF on March 10, 2003 I have a B.S. in Zoology from Averett University in SW VA. Emphasis in Herps, most of my field classes involved herp collection etc etc. Probably the reason I am such a copperhead fan. Jared Posted by jared on March 9, 2003 not yet, still in school but i plan to. Posted by lancehead on March 9, 2003 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!